A CONFIDENT and forward-thinking authority that can also find room for improvement.

That's how Stephen Ewbank, the borough council's chief executive, sees the council, which has just been rated 'good' by the Audit Commission.

But he knows he must address criticisms before the council can stop being second best and achieve the top-ranking 'excellent' rating.

The commision's report says: 'Public satisfaction with recycling is poor, and performance is generally declining within waste management services.

'The council has not planned for future services explicitly, its ambitious agenda is creating capacity issues, and it has no comprehensive human resource strategy or medium-term financial plan.'

Mr Ewbank said: 'There were no surprises in this report.

'We are supposed to be recycling 16% of rubbish in 2004 and 25% in 2005/6.

'Since these targets were set a few years ago, we knew this was going to be a huge challenge. We cannot do it alone and need help from the Government.

'A pilot scheme covering a fifth of the borough should take us to about 15%. But we are going to have to find significant resources to meet this target.'

His deputy Brenda Harvey said residents must get behind the idea of recycling for it to be a success.

She added the council had 'got to be more business-like'.

It has already reviewed its structures and modernised various departments.

'The test, though, is if our work makes a difference out there on the streets,' she said.

The council was praised by the commission for working well with partner agencies, tackling a multitude of issues, engaging with young people, managing its finances well and using external funding 'imaginatively'.

Mr Ewbank said the council laid the groundwork for this years ago by becoming the first authority in Cheshire to question all residents on its performance.

In shaping its services to the direct needs of residents, it has become a much more effective and efficient council, he said.

Mr Ewbank pointed out the council made economic development a real priority years ago, and was now reaping the rewards.

He said: 'Five of our council wards are in the top 10% of deprivation.

'In the1980s, unemployment here was 17% - or 6,000 people. Now it is below the North West average, just 1,000 people.

'Land values are now improving, but used to be some of the lowest in the North West.'

Mrs Harvey said: 'We scored high with the commission in terms of our ambitions. We made unemployment a priority and have helped reduce it.

'But it's not just about creating jobs. Training and education from an early age are also very important.'

The council has also spearheaded work to tackle drugs and alcohol abuse.

She praised the hard-working and committed 600-plus staff employed by the council.

Mr Ewbank said: 'Our great self-belief carries us forward all the time. But maybe we have been shy in the past in publicising our good work.

'The commission's ratings are a useful tool for us and give us an objective opinion on our work.

'If we merge with Chester City Council, which got an 'excellent' rating, just imagine what we could achieve.'